Captainslow42
New member
I am hoping someone can share a little bit of their experience on a couple of topics I'm trying to learn more about, First is exhaust manifolds on the 300. I see that there are a large number of different manifold gaskets available, some in sets, and some as 1 large gasket for intake and exhaust. Ford originally used no gasket on the exhaust side and so the exhaust flange was a little thicker than the intake maniold flange at the head to compensate. My question is, have any of you experienced problems with leaking or shifting manifolds due to the uneven clamping force when running a 1 piece gasket? If I get my EFI manifolds checked for warpage, should I have the flanges shaved down to match the thickness of the intake, then run a gasket on both? Or alternatively, should I run no exhaust gasket at all? I've been told that the gasket creates an undesireable thermal barrier between the head and the manifolds.
The second thing is a question about the stock harmonic damper. Would you consider an aftermarket damper (of any design) to be a worthwhile addition to a mildly built six? I was thinking about the fact that the damper is "tuned" from the factory to dampen crank harmonics in a particular RPM range where the engineers know they will happen. Is it possible that by altering the weight of the rotating assembly (lighter pistons, lighter rods, using a flywheel thats 10 lbs lighter) I could "move" that bad vibration to an RPM where the stock damper will be ineffective? I'd be curious to know where in the rev range those vibrations are occuring. Or will I be perfectly fine with a new, stock damper as long as I keep it below 5000 RPM? Ok, I've finally finished typing :lol: Feel free to tell me I'm crazy if I'm overthinking this!
Thanks!
Jesse
The second thing is a question about the stock harmonic damper. Would you consider an aftermarket damper (of any design) to be a worthwhile addition to a mildly built six? I was thinking about the fact that the damper is "tuned" from the factory to dampen crank harmonics in a particular RPM range where the engineers know they will happen. Is it possible that by altering the weight of the rotating assembly (lighter pistons, lighter rods, using a flywheel thats 10 lbs lighter) I could "move" that bad vibration to an RPM where the stock damper will be ineffective? I'd be curious to know where in the rev range those vibrations are occuring. Or will I be perfectly fine with a new, stock damper as long as I keep it below 5000 RPM? Ok, I've finally finished typing :lol: Feel free to tell me I'm crazy if I'm overthinking this!
Thanks!
Jesse